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Signal Creek Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Alaska · Tongass National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Tongass National Forest |
| Location | Alaska · Tongass National Forest · 55.40820, -131.69984 · Map |
| Sites | 23 public sites counted from the federal listing — 23 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 23 sites Water hookups at 1 of 23 sites Sewer hookups at 1 of 23 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 23 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 45 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 20 sites · 30 ft: 16 sites · 35 ft: 5 sites · 40 ft: 2 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 4:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 21 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 907-225-2148 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-07-21.
From the official listing
Overview Signal Creek Campground is a year-round facility located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground straddles Signal Creek and lies on the banks of Ward Lake, with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Recreation Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Travel meanders 1.3 miles around the lake.
A large day-use complex with picnic sites and shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws at Ward Lake. Facilities Signal Creek Campground's sites can accommodate up to 10 people. Each campsite contains a picnic table, a campfire ring with grill and a gravel parking spur. Two hand pumps for drinking water and three vault toilets are provided. Water is provided during the peak season only. Firewood may be provided but is not guaranteed.
Natural Features The campground is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Signal Creek flows through the campground, and Ward Lake is adjacent.
At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands.
The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound.
Directions, from the listing
From the State ferry terminal, take Tongass Highway north 4.8 miles to milepost 7. Turn right onto Revila Road. Go 1.4 miles and turn right at the Ward Lake Road Intersection. Travel 1.1 miles past Ward Lake Day Use Area to the entrance sign for Signal Creek Campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Ketchikan AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceLast Chance Campground
2 mi straight-line · AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSoutheast Heckman Cabin
13 mi straight-line · KETCHIKAN AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceHeckman Lake Cabin
14 mi straight-line · KETCHIKAN AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceJordan Lake Cabin
14 mi straight-line · KETCHIKAN Alaska
Trip Card — Signal Creek Campground
Alaska · Tongass National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Alaska · Tongass National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | No electric reported |
| Max RV | Up to 45 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 23 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232141 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.